VITEL^® SERIES

In a recent blog, we discussed the superior quality and excellent versatility of Bostik’s Vitel® resins. Now, let’s take a closer look at the product series:

Vitel copolyester resins are high molecular weight copolyesters. They are used as extrudable resins or as solvent-based or water-based adhesives for use as coating or for lamination processes. There are several grades of Vitels, ranging from the 1000 series all the way to 7000 series. They are categorized based on the backbone of the copolyester resin.

The following grades usually apply:

Vitel grade	Application
1000 Series	Extrusion
2000 Series	Coating
3000 Series	Lamination
4000 Series	Extrusion
5000 Series	Lamination/ coating-modifier
6000 Series	Water dispersible coating
7000 Series	Coating/ Lamination

 

Below is more information about each of the Vitel resin series:

1000 Series: 

• Low glass transition (T_g)
• Semicrystalline extrusion grade resins
• Can also be dissolved in a solvent and coated

It is important to note that strong solvents like 1,3-Dioxolane or Tetrahydrofuran (THF) will need to be used to solvate these resins. The coating could be tacky based on the resins chosen, so compounding with slip and antiblock agents is necessary.

2000 Series:

• High T_g
• Amorphous resins that are soluble in common organic solvents such as Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), Ethylacetate (EA), Toluene

Since they are high Tg resins, the coatings are not tacky and can be heat activated for further application.

3000 Series:

• Low T_g
• Amorphous resins that are soluble in common organic solvents such as Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), Ethylacetate (EA), Toluene

The low T_g of these resins result in coatings that are tacky. As a result, these Vitel resins are used as laminating adhesives.

The 1000, 2000, and 3000 series resins can be mixed-and-matched to achieve the right properties. They can also be combined with the 5000 series resin (V5833B) along with curatives (e.g.: isocyanates) to give improved final performance.

4000 Series:

• Hot melt extrudable resins
• Narrower melt point compared to 1000 Series resins

The 4000 Vitel Series are mostly used as web adhesives. Solvation of 4000 series resins is difficult, but it is possible with heat and shear, using different solvent combinations.

5000 Series (V5833B):

• Considered the low molecular weight Vitel of the various series
• Used as a modifier with other Vitels to reduce viscosity
• Also used as a cross-link modifier (has more functionality compared to the rest of the Vitel resins)
• Combined with cross-linking agents, provides great heat and chemical resistance
• Soluble in common solvents such as MEK, Ethyl acetate, Toluene, etc.

6000 Series:

• Water soluble and water dispersible grade of Vitels
• Can be used as coatings, which can be heat activated

7000 Series:

• Similar to 1000 series, (also semicrystalline)
• Very slow crystallizers

As a result of being very slow crystallizers, it is important to note that extrusion is usually not possible with this grade.

• Can be solvated in common organic solvents such as MEK, EA, Toluene, Acetone, etc.
• Tacky once coated and used as laminating adhesive (similar to 3000 series resins)

While the 7000 series is similar to the 3000 series, the 7000 series are semicrystalline and have better chemical resistance. They can also be cross-linked like the rest of the Vitel resins.

Not all polyesters are created equal. Bostik’s Vitel portfolio provides an array of options for developing the right adhesive solution for a variety of general and specialty coating and laminating applications.

For more information about Bostik’s Vitel resins, call 800-7-BOSTIK.

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